Archive · 15 Aug 2026
Kia Sorento AWD India Launch Set For September 4
Kia is a car company that sells cars in India.
It is getting ready to launch a big new SUV called the Sorento.
The Sorento will have all-wheel drive, which helps cars grip the road better.
This will be the first Kia car in India with this feature and a normal engine.
The Sorento will come with a petrol-hybrid engine or a diesel engine.
It also has a smart helper called Live Gen AI inside the car.
You can talk to this helper naturally and ask it to control car features.
Kia says the Sorento will cost around Rs 30 to 35 lakh, and some guesses say it may cost more.
The Sorento will compete with other big SUVs like the Volkswagen Tayron and Skoda Kodiaq.
Kia India has confirmed that the upcoming Sorento SUV will be offered with all-wheel drive (AWD) when it launches on September 4, 2026.
The Sorento will be the first internal-combustion-engine (ICE) Kia model in India to feature AWD.
It will be offered with strong-hybrid petrol and diesel engines, with the global hybrid setup producing 238 hp and 380 Nm and the expected 2.2-litre diesel producing 202 hp and 440 Nm.
Kia has not yet confirmed whether both powertrains will be available with AWD in India.
Expected to be priced around Rs 30-35 lakh ex-showroom, with some estimates closer to Rs 40 lakh, the Sorento will compete with AWD rivals such as the Volkswagen Tayron and Skoda Kodiaq.
- Who
- Kia India
- What
- Confirmed that the Sorento SUV will be offered with all-wheel drive (AWD) at its India launch, making it the first ICE Kia model in India with AWD.
- When
- September 4, 2026
- Where
- India
- Why
- To mark a significant step for the brand in the premium SUV segment and compete with AWD offerings such as the Volkswagen Tayron and Skoda Kodiaq.
- Launch date
- September 4, 2026
- AWD availability
- Yes; first ICE Kia model in India with AWD
- Engine options
- 1.6-litre turbo-petrol strong-hybrid (238 hp, 380 Nm); 2.2-litre turbo-diesel (202 hp, 440 Nm, expected)
- Key feature
- Live Gen AI, an AI-powered in-car voice assistant
- Expected price
- Rs 30-35 lakh ex-showroom; some estimates closer to Rs 40 lakh
- Competitors
- Volkswagen Tayron (Rs 41.99-47.74 lakh), Skoda Kodiaq (Rs 36.99-46.99 lakh), Jeep Meridian (Rs 23.33-37.92 lakh)
- Segment
- Premium SUV